DVSA has approved a limited run of throttle powered electric bikes and has Type Approved them as 250W Low Powered Mopeds. These bikes are manufactured by Whisper.
This is a sub-group of Low Powered Moped that meets the criteria laid down in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No. 1168) as amended by SI 2015 No. 24. The requirements are that the vehicle:
Be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled.
Be fitted with no motor other than an electric motor, which has a maximum continuous rated power, which does not exceed 250 watts and cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15.5 mph”
These Whisper bikes can be powered solely by throttle, which means you don’t have to pedal, up to a maximum speed of 15.5mph. This new categorisation means that these throttle powered electric bikes can been legally ridden on roads and private lank in the UK up to a maximum speed of 15.5mph.
This is promising sign from UK agencies that might mean that we will see more throttle powered electric bikes legally available to purchase. The introduction of these throttle assisted electric bikes might encourage even more people to adopt electric bikes as their daily form of commute or to push car drivers to make the switch.
Even though London is by far the largest city in the UK, Manchester is currently UK’s per capita leader on cycling in the UK. Perhaps a move towards throttle powered electric bikes will promote more riders to electrify their commute.